Obituaries

Charles O. Morgret

Charles O. Morgret, 84, of Bradenton and formerly Holmes Beach, died April 17.

Born in Berkeley Springs, W. Va., Mr. Morgret worked in the railroad industry for more than 42 years. He received a bachelor's degree from George Washington University and a master's degree from American University. He was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, receiving a Bronze Star. He was past president of the Railroad Public Relations Association. He served as advisory railroad editor to Encyclopedia-Americana and Webster's International Dictionary. He wrote and published the book "Bronson: The Railroads' Messiah." He was a member of the Bradenton Country Club, the Bradenton Yacht Club, and American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24. He was a member of Roser Memorial Community Church, Anna Maria.

The family received friends at Bradenton Funeral Home April 20, and services were at the church April 21. Memorial contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice, 3355 26th St. W., Bradenton FL 34205.

He is survived by wife Lore Marijfjeren; sons Robert W. of Laurel, Md., and Dr. Edward V. of Rommey, W. Va.; stepsons Donald Marifjeren of Richmond, Ky., and David Marifjeren and wife Patty of Bradenton; three grandchildren; one step-grandson; and three great-grandsons.

Frances Holmes Smith

Frances Holmes Smith, 96, of Anna Maria, died April 20.

Born in Washington, D.C., Mrs. Smith worked for the former Islander newspaper and the Beachcomber. She served as a clerk for the election board. She attended hood College in Frederick, Md., and U.C. in Berkley, Calif. She was a member of Roser Memorial Community Church and Daughters of the American Revolution.

There were no services. Memorial contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice and Palliative Care, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota FL 34238.

She is survived by nephew Richard P. of Lafayette, Ind.; nieces Roberta Smith of Lafayette, and Beverly of Snead Island; and grand-niece Cathy Willard.

Elizabeth L. "Big Mama" Williams

Elizabeth L. Williams, 67, of Bradenton, known to many in the area for her years as an entertainer at local clubs as "Big Mama," died April 22 at Blake Medical Center.

Mrs. Williams was born in Lafayette, Ind., and came to this area in 1985. She spent many years entertaining before her retirement. She was well known to the patrons of such former establishments as the Buccaneer, Hunt Club and Shenkels on Longboat Key, and Crabby Bill's on Anna Maria Island. She also performed at the Longboat Key Hilton Inn.

"Big Mama" performed locally for the Jerry Lewis Telethon for 23 years, and also donated her talents for St. Judes, Kids by the Sea, Toys for Tots and other fundraisers.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, and a service and burial will be held June 3 in Lafayette, Ind.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Williams' children may be made in care of her sister, Marcella Walts, 3002 41st W., Bradenton FL 34205.

She is survived by children Mark, Eric and Elisha, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild; sisters Marcella Walts of Bradenton and Peggy Stachon of Arizona; and brother Bob Scheetz of Wisconsin.

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